'Tis the season to be jolly, and the scent of homemade cookies always conjures nostalgia and spreads holiday cheer. Whether you are filling your own cookie jars in preparation for family and guests or bringing a thoughtful gift to a host, everyone will love these classic and new versions of holiday favorites.

Gingerbread man cookies need not be men nor ginger flavored. Snowmen sugar cookies or candy cane-shaped cookies with a hint of peppermint are both delightful variations. Whether you are using a homemade cookie dough or saving time with a pre-made mix or log, use holiday cookie cutters and let the kids do the decorating with colorful frostings, M&M's and sprinkles.

Don't forget to find out if there are any family favorites you can update. "Every family has a recipe, and every family has a story. We have always felt that one should do a gentle interrogation of the elders at holiday gatherings," says Marilynn Brass, half of the Brass Sisters duo, "Heirloom Cooking" ($19, Black Dog & Leventhal) authors and TV personalities. "We love the holiday season with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves coming from home kitchens. The crunch of a crisp holiday cookie ... means the holidays are finally here."

One such holiday staple you can put a new twist on is the Christmas fruitcake. Mix up a batter of butter cookies (from scratch or a box), and then mix in the sweet morsels of candied fruit. Roll the dough and fruit into a log, slice and bake as soft, chewy cookies. If you don't care for the prepared fruit bits, try using raisins and apple pieces. For extra dazzle, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the warm cookies after they come out of the oven.

Old family recipes that once took hours can be made more convenient with some trusted shortcuts. For example, trying using rolled cookie dough to make wonderful thumbprint or chocolate kiss cookies. Even the Yule log cake is easy with a packaged chocolate cake mix. Line a rimmed baking sheet with buttered parchment and pour the batter in. Be careful not to overbake it; it's done when the surface feels springy. Spread a cream cheese or vanilla frosting and carefully roll the cake batter into a log. Let cool completely and then frost with a dark chocolate frosting. Score the frosting with the tines of a fork to look like bark; if you would like, add sprigs of peppermint to look like leaves.

If you are really in a pinch for time, there are a few appetizing no-bake options available.

If you want something classic and colorful, buy sweet and plain store cookies (such as soft madeleines or vanilla wafers) and dip them into melted chocolate or frostings. Add colorful sprinkles, let them dry and then arrange them on your best cookie platter. On a similar note, youngsters can easily make rice crispy treats holiday-ready by throwing red and green sprinkles or colored marshmallows in the mix.

Finally, try your hand at making a panful of Rocky Road. Start by melting 4 cups chocolate (not baking chocolate! Use dark, sweet, white or a combination); use your microwave for 20 seconds if the mix gets too stiff. Mix in 1/2 cup nut pieces or substitute another filling for a no-nut recipe; add 2 1/2 cups of a combination of other fillings. Popular choices for additional fillings include mini marshmallows, dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherry pieces; coconut flakes; crushed candy canes or chocolate chips. Stir this mixture thoroughly in a heat-resistant bowl. Pour the batter into a parchment-lined 8-inch pan. Top with peppermint pieces, cracked nuts or coconut shreds if desired. Put into the fridge for approximately 1 hour. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares and serve.

Whether you try some new treats this season or stick with ones that have stood the test of time, have a very merry Christmas!